Sweden

Sweden sets 100% renewable energy production target

SWEDEN: A roadmap to help Sweden achieve "100% renewable energy production by 2040" has been laid out by the country's parliamentary energy commission.

Proposals would extend the scope of Sweden’s market-based support scheme of renewable electricity certificates

Under the proposals, the scope of Sweden’s market-based support scheme of renewable electricity certificates will be extended to help increase income for energy producers in Sweden and Norway.

Proposals also include reducing the tax burden on installation costs for offshore wind.

These proposals are part of a raft of transformation plans for Sweden’s energy sector. The aim is to cut energy intensity by 50% by 2030, compared with 2005 levels.

According to the parliamentary commission, this will put the country in line to achieve the proposed EU energy efficiency target of 30% in 2030.

However, achieving "100% renewable energy production" does not mean energy sources, such as nuclear power plants, will be closed down. Discussions about what action to take for other types of energy production are ongoing.

Sweden's energy minister, Ibrahim Baylan, said the government aims to get the proposals passed by the national parliament as soon as possible, and before the next election in 2018, to give the industry clear, long-term rules.

"Sweden has good potential to be a world leader in the transition to a renewable energy system," Baylan said.